MakaaZingira

MakaaZingira produces FSC certified charcoal for conservation and livelihood creation. A national NGO, a community-based organisation and a small business network aim to establish a sustainable eco-charcoal production model, helping small scale farmers to replace unsustainable practices while also bringing social benefits.

MakaaZingira Enterprise has, since 2009, trained rural farmers to produce sustainable charcoal from fast-growing shrubs. Charcoal is the primary fuel source for people in East Africa, providing over 82 % of all cooking and heating supplies. The MakaaZingira eco-charcoal briquettes are made from fast growing indigenous shrubs which are sustainably harvested, carbonised, mixed with waste cassava and coconut fibre and then compressed.

The MakaaZingira eco-charcoal briquettes are eco-friendly, ethically produced and FSC certified, but also burn longer, are easy to light and are clean. Environmental benefits of MakaaZingira are important for all members joining the scheme; they commit to long term sustainable farm management. Using fast growing indigenous shrubs offers farmers an alternative to using lump wood charcoal which results in the conservation of nature and slow-growing indigenous hardwood species and provides a long term solution to habitat loss. The MakaaZingira Enterprise scheme employs more than 40 farmers with another 180 expected to join by 2011. MakaaZingira products will be sold in two large supermarket chains totalling some 36 outlets and generating valuable income. The community trainings and outreach programmes advocate gender equality and youth involvement. All community leadership positions are shared on a 50-50 basis between women and men whilst ensuring youth representation.